I live in Elliot Lake, Ontario (Canada) where there is snow on the
ground upwards of fourth months a year. I am looking to buy an
economical car to take me to a college about 16 kilmetres from my home.
My personal budget allows only upwards of $10,000 Canadian (about $7,500
American currently), so a relatively new Honda seems to be a good choice
considering what I've heard and read of Honda's reliability.

However, my family cars have always been four wheel drive or all
wheel drive. I am not very familiar with these systems, but the general
idea I have gathered is that they are ideally suited for the winter
weather conditions here since they are less likely to slip or lose control.

It was recommended to me that I purchase a Civic or Accord as they
are small, fuel-efficient, and reliable cars for students. I don't know
how they will handle in the snow, slush, and ice I expect to be driving
in because they are front wheel drive.

Does anyone have any first-hand experience or a technical explanation
of how driving a Honda will be different from a four or all wheel drive
vehicle during the winter?

- Tacy